Monthly Archives: October 2011

Key limes are probably best known as the main ingredient of key lime pie, originally introduced in the Florida Keys. The tree was brought to the Caribbean by Spanish colonists, and then spread to the warmer areas of North, South and Central America. It has a unique flavor and grows well on St. John.

Key limes have their own special flavor, stronger and more aromatic than the more commonly found Persian lime.

Key limes are picked when green commercially, but left to their own devices they’ll turn yellow and fall off the tree, which gives them added flavor.

The lime tree in the photos was given to me by John Gibney and produces a great deal of fruit each time it blooms. It can survive the harsh conditions on St. John, but it does particularly well when given water during prolonged dry spells.